Washington Name Series: Red Tails

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July 9, 2021

by David Earl

Not Exactly A Fan Favorite

I wish the results could have been more supportive but, recalling past comments on Red Tails, it’s not surprising either. As a personal bias (being a 22 year Air Force veteran) I’d take true pride in calling my team “Red Tails”. The Tuskegee Airmen, the first all African American pilots in the Army Air Corps, are a testament to perseverance through the struggles of the racial divide in our country. Their drive to fight for this country, even under the most hostile of environments, is the kind of commitment and sacrifice Ron Rivera stresses for his team. The name “Red Tails” not only covers the military theme Ron is looking for in this rebranding but the name itself projects an inspiring story that should be celebrated and forever revered within our country. What better way to keep telling this great story than through one of America’s most iconic sports, the NFL.

While it’s true the Red Tails have no specific DC tie, I completely agree with Hog Sty’s very own Steve Thomas, who said, “Red Tails is the only name that I would even consider using as a replacement for “Redskins”. I love the fact that it honors a legendary military unit, and I couldn’t care less that the unit was in Alabama for a time and that Tuskegee University is currently there. I also don’t care that some people choose to view it in a negative light as a football name. For me, in absence of “Redskins”, it’s Red Tails or forever having to use just “Washington”, because I’m not going to use any other nickname.”

Quick History Of The Red Tails

Although they received this moniker from Allied Forces after painting their new P-51 Mustang tails red, this squadron was originally activated in 1941 out of Chanute Field, Illinois when the War Department formed the 99th Pursuit Squadron, an all-African American fighter squadron. The squadron later transferred to Alabama as the 99th Fighter Squadron, then went into combat in the European theater in World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen became one of the highest decorated units in the Army Air Corps (awarded over 850 medals) providing escort for American bombers in over 1,500 total missions. They ultimately became, some believed, the catalyst to the desegregation of the military, as their legacy was not exclusive to successful combat missions. They endured the hostile time of racism when many believed African American men were not capable of passing through the rigors of a pilot program, only to become one of the military’s most decorated and successful units in history. Their story truly is heroic and honorable and some our team could proudly display every Sunday while allowing these heroes’ legacy to continue on forever.

Red Tails As A Mascot

The biggest concern here – which was also part of the Redskins name argument – is the danger of utilizing a name for a team that makes reference towards a group of people; however, that idea is just a poor misrepresentation of the facts. Red Tails is simply a nickname of a military unit which refers to the tails of their planes having a red stripe (which the Tuskegee Airman were responsible for painting). Some fans immediately think that, “Red Tails so happen to reference only the African American pilots.” The truth is that these units’ nicknames are given typically by an identifying feature on an aircraft such as the 8th Airlift Squadron Soaring Stallions and 8th Fighter Squadron Black Sheep (review these and more here). The concern of backlash does exist in this era of culture wars, but there was a show of support by Tuskegee Airman Inc. spokesman Rick Sinkfield, who said in a statement to Yahoo Sports, “If the Washington, D.C. NFL franchise chooses to rename themselves as the Washington Red Tails, it would honor the Tuskegee Airmen legacy and be symbolic for all of America.” Thus, where some are looking for that reminder that hope still exists in this great country, the story behind the Red Tails would truly (as Rick Sinkfield stated) be symbolic to all of America through an NFL franchise. Although some may believe that that that is overstating the effect of “Red Tails” as Washington’s new nickname, it’s the history and the struggles of these military pilots who found ultimate success that people can ultimately gravitate towards as hope and promise of a brighter future.

Ultimately it wouldn’t be Red Tails as a mascot in the literal sense but much like Florida State using the Seminole name in collaboration with the Seminole Nation (discussed in the previous article under How Does Florida State Fit). Red Tails would be a story (or history lesson) for society that could create conversation and allow people to enlighten themselves over time. Red Tails can represent struggle, perseverance, and success to many today who feel there’s just no hope. The struggles of these young men during a hostile time for the country can not only give hope to individuals in their own life but also shows that success is not achieved without sacrifice (even if painful). Therefore, the fact that Mr. Sinkfield said that Red Tails could be symbolic to all of America is not that far-fetched of an idea to me.

My Personal Bias

Once again, as a 22 year Air Force veteran, nothing would give me more pride in calling my team the Red Tails. In my opinion, the “Not Your Mascot” argument against the name does the Tuskegee Airman a great disservice. There is no shame in using these iconic American heroes in the fashion of representing this team if done appropriately. Their history should be shared.  Their story should be an inspiration for all young people and is priceless in a time of such division. The best aspect of the “Red Tails” name is how representative of where the military was to what it has become today, which is a true legacy of inclusion and brotherhood. What greater message can Ron Rivera convey to his team than that?